If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t worry; we have some basic troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter almost here, this means your furnace is now up to bat for this season and the next. As a homeowner, you know there is nothing worse than expecting to enjoy a warm and cozy home only to find that your furnace isn’t turning on.
Now, before you panic and call your Wilmington Heating & Cooling professionals, keep in mind there are actually several common issues that could be causing your heating system to malfunction. So, first…here’s a quick and easy-to-follow troubleshooting list to guide you with some basic furnace troubleshooting steps so you can pinpoint the problem and fix it.
Check the Power Source If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
The first thing you should do when troubleshooting a problem is to check the power source. After all, “With great power, come great responsibility,” … or so they say.
Jokes aside, there are two main power sources you may need to check depending on what type of furnace you have. These are the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
The Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs off of electricity, you’ll need to check the circuit breaker. It’s possible that the circuit breaker for your furnace has tripped, which would have cut off the power to your heating system. So, be sure to check out your electrical panel and look for any switches that are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” More often than you think, a breaker switch could look like it’s in the “on” position, but it is positioned in the middle and therefore looks like it is turned on but is actually turned “off.”
To fix this, you’ll want to reset any tripped breaker switches by flipping them fully to “off” and then once again back to the “on” position. However, if the breaker trips again, there may be an underlying electrical issue that will require the attention of a professional. It’s also worth noting that it is normal for circuit breakers to wear out over time, so if this is a recurring issue, you may need to speak with a professional to discuss whether circuit breaker repair or replacement is better.
Check the Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If you have a furnace that runs on fuel, keep in mind that it needs a steady supply of fuel to operate. Any issues with the fuel supply, such as a closed valve or an empty oil tank, can prevent your furnace from turning on. While you can safely check if the gas valve is positioned correctly, if you suspect that something is wrong with the gas pressure, we suggest leaving this to the professionals.
Check the Thermostat If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Next, let’s try checking the thermostat. After all, it functions as the command center for your HVAC system. So, if your furnace isn’t turning on, the solution might be an easy fix with the thermostat. Inspect your thermostat by confirming that your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature, so that it gives your heating system a chance to rise to the temperature level at which you set.
Sometimes, the thermostat itself may just not be functioning properly. It happens. Try checking the batteries and replacing them (if this applies to your thermostat model). In the case that your thermostat is still not responding as it should, this is a good indication that an HVAC technician may need to assess it for a proper diagnosis.
Check the Air Filters If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
What about your HVAC system’s air filters? Have you checked those? It may sound miniscule, but a clogged air filter can severely affect your furnace’s performance. When the air filter is dirty and overloaded with dust particles and other airborne contaminants, it restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. So, checking on your air filters if the problem has not yet been resolved is a prudent measure.
If the filter is dirty, simply replace it with a new one. Bear in mind that regularly changing the air filter is highly recommended—ideally this task should be completed every 1-3 months as it can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
Check if the Ducts are Blocked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Did you know that blocked or obstructed ducts can also prevent your furnace from working correctly? When airflow is impeded, it can serve as a signal to your furnace that something is awry, in which case, it will respond and shut down. For example, if any objects have fallen into the ductwork, this can launch some furnaces into safety mode where they won’t turn on.
Some furnaces are wired to have this response as a safety mechanism to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. Although certain factors must happen for this scenario to occur, your safety is paramount, so getting the obstruction taken care of as soon as possible is always the best course of action.
Check the Drain Pan If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
There are a few other safety features in modern furnaces. For instance, when a drain pan collects an excessive amount of moisture, it can trigger a safety switch that prevents the furnace from operating. If your issue is still not resolved, it would probably be a good idea to locate the drain pan (usually beneath the furnace) and carefully empty it if it is full of water.
On the same note, if you have noticed that the drain pan fills up frequently, making this a repeated issue, this could indicate a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage…in which case, it’s time to give us a call.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be frustrating, but typically, this particular furnace issue can be resolved with the troubleshooting steps mentioned above. By checking the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, you can often identify and resolve the problem yourself.
But if that doesn’t fix your furnace woes, don’t forget that your Wilmington Heating & Cooling team is always here for you! With our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, we are well-equipped to get your furnace back up and running again in no time.
Your comfort and safety are paramount, and sometimes, expert help is the best solution. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us! You can contact Wilmington Heating & Cooling today at (937) 764-3575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
